Transforming empathy training
FUNDERS
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
The Stage Awards
Winner 2024
Innovation
Games for Change
Finalist 2025
Best in Healthcare
Inclusive Innovation Award 2023
Introducing SIMFONIK
Take a look at SIMFONIK in action at the University of Greenwich, and hear first-hand how trainee nurses found the experience.
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Seeing nearly 150 students all participating in a simulation and being able to relate it back to practice is exactly what simulation should be achieving.
Phil Gurnett
Clinical Simulation Fellow -
SIMFONIK is really useful in building a clinician/patient connection, it makes practice learning more human and real.
Lauren Philpott
Clinical Simulation Fellow -
SIMFONIK is most effective for first year students going out into placement. A lot of the times, empathy is often used, however no one actually shows the student how to be empathetic.
Francine Gonzales-Walters
Clinical Simulation Fellow and Senior Lecturer Adult Nursing
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“Before, I used the word 'empathy' but I did not understand its full meaning. I now understand what it really means...very educational and unique experience.”
“SIMFONIK made me realise that empathy is a hard skill – touch, listening, eye contact, gestures etc. Before I was only looking at empathy as putting myself into another person's shoes.”
“I understand empathy more now and feel equipped to implement it in practice.”
“SIMFONIK was immersive and different from other empathy sessions, which are usually the same and non-engaging, [SIMFONIK] makes you actually think and feel.”
WHAT IS SIMFONIK?
Developed with input from leading simulation centres, clinicians and academics, SIMFONIK provides cost-effective, high quality empathy & confidence building training for up to 250 simultaneous users.
An audio-first immersive simulation platform, SIMFONIK uses guided role-play and spatial sound to help people practise communication, empathy, and decision-making under real-world pressure.
How it works
SIMFONIK delivers emotionally impactful training using lightweight technology that enables participants to step into structured, scenario-based experiences that foreground psychological, emotional and relational realism.
Participants experience simulation scenarios in pairs, each receiving a different audio track aligned to a shared narrative. These experiences reflect real patient perspectives and are followed by guided reflection and structured debrief sessions – peer-to-peer and large-group alike – supporting deeper understanding and retention.
Unlike models that depend on specialist rooms, costly equipment, or technical expertise, SIMFONIK ensures every participant is fully engaged as an active part of each scenario.
IMPACT
We have run five feasibility studies with over 500 nurses and healthcare workers across the UK and Brazil. The results have been overwhelming:
93% of learners reported improved ability to communicate with empathy
Empathy scores increased from 6.8 to 8.7 after a single session (+22%)
Real-world behaviour change achieved in as little as 90 minutes of simulation.
It doesn't just simulate empathy—it helps learners practice it with another person, shifting it from an abstract value to a tangible clinical skill.
No need for simulation suites, specialist equipment or infrastructure. It also supports tariff recovery.
Low Cost
Mass participation with minimal setup. Works across large numbers, class sizes and disciplines. Only requires one facilitator.
Scalable
The Facilitator is able to edit learning questions within the app tailored for their group.
Facilitators can track progress, monitor completion, and access reports in real time - enabling efficient, reflective, and outcome-driven training.
Adaptable for Facilitators
Built-in automated tracking, outcomes and NHS tariff compliant reporting - easing access to Government funding
Data-Driven
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